Cobra Pose
June 21, 2010 by Courtney Chalfant
Filed under Christian Yoga Weekly Pose
Step By Step
- Lay on belly, spread hands and place under the shoulders, back by rib cage. Hug elbows back into body.
- Downward Dog hands claw at mat.
- Spread toes and firmly press tops of feet, thighs and pubis into the mat.
- Inhale, head and chest lift as sides lengthen. Lifting your heart up to God.
- Pressing mat away begin to straighten arms. Lift as high as possible keeping hips and leg connected to mat. You may also come all the way up to just resting on the tops of the feet.
- Make sure your wrist are under your shoulders.
- Tailbone presses towards the pubis and the pubis presses towards the naval. Firm but don’t harden buttocks.
- Wrap shoulders around the spin and lift up through the heart. Head up and gaze forward
Benefits
- Strengthens the spine.
- Stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders and abdomen.
- Firms the buttocks.
- Stimulates abdominal organs.
- Helps relieve stress and fatigue.
- Opens the heart and lungs.
- Soothes sciatica.
- Therapeutic for asthma
This is an excerpt from our guide to self-care, Christian Yoga: Restoration for Body and Soul.
